[Fixed] “No Mountable File Systems” on Mac

Summary: “No mountable file systems” message appeared on your Mac’s screen? No worries! In this article, we will show you how to fix this issue. Once you follow the steps provided, you will mount the DMG file. But before proceeding, back up all your personal information. However, if some of your files went missing, try using specific software like Stellar Data Recovery to restore your data.

Although macOS is one of the most reliable operating systems, it’s not free from random glitches. No matter which macOS you run, Catalina, El Capitan, or Big Sur — you may unexpectedly face a “no mountable file systems” issue when opening a DMG file. And as a result, your Mac system may be unable to process your other requests. The overall situation might be confusing. But we know how to remedy it.

This “No mountable file systems” guide will cover symptoms, causes, and solutions to fix the error. 

Signs of the “No Mountable File Systems” Issue

What Causes the “No Mountable File Systems” Problem?

There are numerous reasons why the “no mountable file systems” issue occurs Any inconsistencies relating to the macOS file system can corrupt the data, thus making it completely inaccessible. Here are some of the likely reasons: 

Steps to Fix “No Mountable File Systems”

Let’s troubleshoot this error by trying the four methods described below. 

1. Restart Your Mac

Restarting your Mac is one of the most recommended and working methods to fix troubles with your Mac. Before proceeding to the following steps, restart your computer and open the file again. 

2. Download the DMG File Again

The most common reason for a corrupted DMG file is an incorrect file download. You should re-download the file without using any download assistant plug-ins if this is the case. If the file you’ve just downloaded is still inaccessible, try downloading it again using a different browser.

Also, you can download the needed DMG file using Terminal. Follow these steps: 

  1. Copy the DMG download address (right-click DMG in the Finder and click Get Info > More Info > Where from).
  2. Open Terminal.
  3. Type curl -O url and hit the Enter key to run the command. 

Note: You need to replace “url” with the exact DMG download URL.

Terminal Window

3. Check the File System Format

Usually, macOS Sierra (10.12) and previous macOS versions do not support APFS (new Apple File System). To check if this is the case on your Mac, do the following: 

  1. Open Terminal by clicking on the Spotlight (little magnifying glass at the upper right corner of your screen) > search for Terminal > press Enter to open the Terminal app.
  2. Type diskutil info / and hit Enter.
Check file system format via Terminal

Tip: We recommend getting the latest macOS, if you’re using a file format other than APFS. 

4. Mount the DMG File via Terminal

If none of the above helps and you still get an error, you can manually mount the DMG file. Do this: 

1. Open Terminal and type hdiutil attach -verbose. Add a space and drag the dmg file from Finder onto the Terminal window. Then press Enter.

Terminal app > mount a DMG file

2. If the needed DMG file appears on the desktop or Finder, it means that it is mounted successfully, and you can proceed with opening it.

Bottom Line

Now you know what’s behind the “no mountable file systems” error. We hope that the fixes provided in this guide will help you mount and re-open any DMG files on your Mac with no effort. 

FAQs

How to Avoid the “No Mountable File Systems” Error on Mac?

Tip: In addition to the steps mentioned above, backup your macOS once in a while.

How to Recover Corrupted Files?

Now that you’ve fixed the “no mountable file systems” issue on your Mac, you’ll probably need to recover lost data after deleting the corrupted files. We recommend using specific software like  Stellar Data Recovery for Mac to retrieve the missing items. It’s a handy tool that will help you get your files back no matter when you’ve lost them. Follow the steps below to recover lost data: 

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for Mac software.

2. After installing the software, the app will ask you to select the data you want to recover (photos, videos, documents, etc.). You can choose specific or all suggested file types.

Stellar Data Recovery > Select What To Recover

3. Then, you’ll need to decide from which volume you want to recover the selected files. 

Stellar Data Recovery > Recover From

4. After the deep scan, you will see the files Stellar Data Recovery can retrieve. 

Stellar Data Recovery > Preview

5. Tick which files to retrieve, choose the destination folder on your Mac, and start the recovery process.

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